Bill > SB202

This bill aims to incentivize residential solar energy production by requiring electric utilities to compensate customer-generators (homeowners with solar panels) for excess electricity credits at the end of each twelve-month billing period. Currently, excess electricity credits were not compensated, but under this new legislation, utilities will be required to purchase these excess kilowatt-hours at a rate established by the public utilities commission. The bill introduces a gradual implementation approach, where utilities will initially pay only 33.3% of the compensation owed in the first year, increasing to 66.6% in the second year, and reaching full 100% compensation from the third year onward. The legislation specifically excludes member-owned cooperative electric utilities from these requirements and is designed to encourage homeowners to install more rooftop solar panels and conserve energy by providing a financial incentive for excess electricity generation. The bill reflects Hawaii's commitment to achieving energy independence through renewable energy sources, with a particular emphasis on solar power as a preferable alternative to other renewable energy methods like wind farms.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=202&year=2025